You will notice that the flowchart has different shapes. In this case, there are two shapes: those with rounded ends represent the start and end points of the process and rectangles are used to show the interim steps. These shapes are known as flowchart symbols. There are dozens of symbols that can be used in a flowchart. If you are new to flowcharting, it is important to know what they represent before using them. Just as word usage conveys a certain message, flowchart symbols also have specific meaning.

Flowcharts were originally used by industrial engineers to structure work processes such as assembly line manufacturing. Today, flowcharts are used for a variety of purposes in manufacturing, architecture, engineering, business, technology, education, science, medicine, government, administration and many other disciplines.

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